Aker BioMarine has entered into a partnership with the University of Glasgow to recruit Nathan Phillips for an industrial PhD studentship. Phillips’ team will focus on the synergistic effects of krill oil and krill protein in an older population with sarcopenia, or the age-related loss of muscle mass and function.
 
Aker BioMarine has been expanding into new categories including healthy aging for its krill-based ingredients. In early 2022, a study led by the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health at the University of Glasgow evaluated the effects of krill oil (Superba Boost) on muscle function and size in a group of about 100 adults over the age of 65, which helped lay the foundation for the present study that is underway.
 
“We are excited to continue developing our partnership with the University of Glasgow to further grow our book of science on healthy aging,” says Line Johnsen, SVP of science and regulatory affairs, Aker BioMarine. “We have previously conducted scientific studies showing how the important nutrients found in krill are essential for the body as it ages, and we are hoping this new study will layer on new findings. Furthermore, we are expanding this study to include Understory, Aker BioMarine’s new protein brand, to better understand how protein contributes to healthy muscle mass and function.”
 
“The loss of muscle strength and mass with age is a major public health issue with very few strategies to help with this growing problem,” said Dr. Stuart Gray, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow. “We are, therefore, excited to continue our work with Aker Biomarine investigating the potential benefits of krill oil and krill protein for older adults.”
 
The partnership intends to conduct several studies over the course of three and a half years in order to better understand the effects of krill products on protein metabolism in combination with exercise.